Local leadership program completes second year with 20 graduates

ANCHORAGE - After six-months, 10 courses and a slew of leadership challenges, 20 "students" of the Anchorage Chamber's Leadership & Executive Advancement Program recently graduated during a ceremony held at the Hilton Hotel earlier this month.

The group of middle-managers, business executives and working professionals advanced through specialized leadership courses, such as mentoring, local government, human resources, community service and communications, accepting the challenge to further their potential in Anchorage's business community.

"This program is not only providing advanced leadership skills and tools, it is cultivating our city's current professionals into becoming Anchorage's next generation of leaders," said Sami Glascott, president of the Anchorage Chamber."

LEAP students also worked in small groups throughout the program to assist local non-profit organizations with specific challenges facing their organization. The Business Enhancement Project allowed students to utilize their leadership skills and expertise in solving tasks assigned by the non-profit groups.

Participating non-profit organizations included the Boys & Girls Club of Alaska, American Red Cross of Alaska, thread Alaska, Alaska Native Village CEOs Association and the Alaska Sealife Center.

"We were absolutely thrilled by our team and with the project results we received from our LEAP team," said Michelle Houlihan, CEO of the American Red Cross of Alaska. "You could not have put together a more dynamic and diverse group of individuals to work with us and I truly believe they went above and beyond in their final presentation and product. "

According to Glascott, "By working with the non-profits, LEAP students gained tremendous insights on the economic challenges facing our community organizations and will be inspired and prepared to lend their expertise and leadership to them. This program is truly a win-win for the community."

Below is a list of the 2012 LEAP graduating class. Visit Anchoragechamber.org for more details on LEAP.

• Amanda Clayton, KeyBank National Association, SBA Relationship Manager
• Dustin Cooper, Delta Constructors, LLC, Operations Manager
• Sheli Dodson, Alaska USA Federal CU, Sr. Member Business Dev. Officer
• Sheila Lomboy, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Business Associate
• Jackie Endsley, IBEW Local Union 1547, Community Relations Coordinator
• Tiffany Flowers, The Tatitlek Corporation, Business Development Specialist
• Marleanna Hall, Resource Development Council, Projects Coordinator
• Victoria Hillwig, UAA College of Business Sr., Administrative Manager
• Lori Kropidlowski, PDC, Inc. Engineers Marketing Director
• Megan Liska, Advancial Federal CU, Branch Manager
• Deborah Manfred, Cook Inlet Lending Center, Inc., Senior Mortgage Assistant
• Heather Marshburn, Eaton's Electrical Sector, Lead Representative
• Joy Merriner, Mikundra, Cottrell & Co., Inc., Audit Senior Manager
• Katrina Nelson, Afognak Native Corporation, Shareholder Services Coordinator
• Michelle Publicover, University of Alaska Foundation, Corporate & Foundation Relations Officer
• Colleen Richards, CH2M Hill
• Colby Swenor, KeyBank National Association, Relationship Manager
• Tracey Thomas, KeyBank National Association, Business Banking
• Erin Eaton, JBER, Public Relations Manager
• Eric Watson, Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Program Manager